NEWS ANALYSIS: A new Awujale – same old problems, by Chris Adetayo

Succession in Yorubaland has become increasingly problematic. It took 3 years to find a successor for Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi – with the Governor overriding traditional process and procedure to get it done. In Ogbomoso, 2 years lapsed before Oba Ghandi succeeded Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade. Other examples abound.

Now we are witnessing the unseemly drama playing out over who becomes the next Awujale of Ijebuland. One of the (unlikely) contestants is already headed for the courts to get reliefs that will enable him to be considered for the position.

In recent memory, only Ibadan and Ife,
amongst the high profile titles, have had smooth and easy succession to their royal thrones. Ijeshaland also had a quick resolution – but that was a product of Government fiat.

Generally, contests for royal thrones have become more contentious and more acrimonious. Most end up in long-drawn court battles and not a few have been set aside by our Judges.

What is driving this trend? In an age of increasing Republicanism (in thoughts if not in deeds), it is ironic that full-on “ijakadi” breaks out once a royal stool becomes vacant. Where are the elders of the land and why are they unable to smoothly superintend over the succession processes? How do we reduce the overbearing influence of governments, politicians and money in the selection process?

The one thing that can be said for all of these is that the Yoruba still adore our ancient thrones. Despite the foibles of most new-age Oba, the reverence we hold them and the positions they occupy remains very high.

But we must not continue to subject ourselves to this frankly ridiculous situation where succession takes years. Surely we can do better. We ought to be doing better!!!